Antigua and Barbuda’s healthcare system consists of both public and private health insurance options, each catering to different needs. Below is a comparison of their key features.
Differences
- Funding and Cost
- Public Insurance (MBS/NHI): Funded by payroll taxes and government subsidies, offering low-cost or free services to eligible residents.
- Private Insurance: Requires premium payments, often more expensive but provides faster access and broader coverage.
- Coverage Scope
- Public: Covers primary care, hospitalization, maternity, and basic dental care, with some limitations on specialized treatments.
- Private: Includes specialist care, overseas medical evacuation, and faster access to private hospitals and clinics.
- Access and Wait Times
- Public: Longer wait times for non-emergency services due to high demand.
- Private: Shorter wait times, preferred by expats and those seeking expedited care.
- Eligibility
- Public: Available to legal residents, workers, pensioners, and students.
- Private: Open to anyone who can afford premiums, including expatriates and tourists.
- Facilities
- Public: Services are provided at government-run clinics and Mount St. John’s Medical Centre.
- Private: Access to private hospitals and international healthcare networks.
Similarities
- Basic Healthcare Coverage
Both systems cover essential medical services, including doctor visits, emergency care, and hospitalization. - Preventive Care
Public and private insurers promote vaccinations, maternal health, and chronic disease management. - Public-Private Partnerships (PPP)
The government collaborates with private entities (e.g., Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean) to enhance specialized care access. - Regulation
Both sectors are regulated to ensure minimum standards of care and financial stability.
Top Public Health Insurance Options in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda’s public healthcare system is primarily managed by the government, with a focus on universal access and affordability. Below are the key public health insurance options available in the country.
1. Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS)(Official website: https://www.mbs.gov.ag/)
Cost
- Funded through payroll contributions (shared between employers and employees).
- No direct premium payments for eligible beneficiaries; minimal co-payments for prescriptions.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Primary care (doctor visits, vaccinations, maternal health).
- Hospitalization (including emergency care at Mount St. John’s Medical Centre).
- Basic dental care (extractions, fillings).
- Prescription drugs (with small co-payments).
- Chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension screening).
Eligibility
- Open to legal residents, workers, pensioners, and students.
- Requires registration with MBS and proof of residency.
Core Financial Features
- Tax-funded, ensuring low out-of-pocket costs.
- Government-subsidized, keeping services affordable.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- Moderate (6.5/10) – Praised for affordability but criticized for long wait times and limited specialist access.
2. National Health Insurance (NHI) – Planned Expansion
Cost
- Expected to be tax-funded, similar to MBS, but with broader coverage.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Expanded hospital services (specialized surgeries, advanced diagnostics).
- Mental health and rehabilitation services (currently limited under MBS).
- Reduced co-payments for medications and treatments.
Eligibility
- Universal coverage for all legal residents upon full implementation.
Core Financial Features
- Transitioning from MBS to a more sustainable, centralized system.
- Aims to reduce financial barriers to healthcare access.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- Not yet rated (still in development).
3. Public Health Clinics Network
Cost
- Free or minimal fees for consultations and basic treatments.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Primary healthcare (vaccinations, maternal care, family planning).
- Chronic disease screening (diabetes, hypertension).
- Basic dental and vision check-ups.
Eligibility
- Open to all residents, including undocumented individuals in emergencies.
Core Financial Features
- Fully government-funded, ensuring accessibility.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 7/10 – Appreciated for wide availability but sometimes lacks advanced medical equipment.
4. Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (Public Hospital Services)(Official website: https://www.msjmc.org/)
Cost
- Free for MBS enrollees; non-enrollees pay subsidized rates.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Emergency and trauma care.
- Surgical procedures (general and some specialized surgeries).
- Maternity and pediatric services.
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, ultrasounds).
Eligibility
- All residents, with priority for MBS members.
Core Financial Features
- Government-subsidized, reducing patient costs.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 6/10 – Overcrowding and long wait times are common complaints.
5. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) – Cancer Centre Eastern Caribbean
Cost
- Subsidized rates for cancer treatments compared to full private costs.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
- Palliative care and cancer screenings.
Eligibility
- Open to all residents, but requires referral from public health providers.
Core Financial Features
- Partially government-funded, making cancer care more affordable.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 8/10 – Highly regarded for improving access to cancer treatment.
Top 5 Private Health Insurance Providers in Antigua and Barbuda
Private health insurance in Antigua and Barbuda offers enhanced medical coverage, faster access to care, and international benefits compared to public options. Below are the top five private insurers available in the country, along with their costs, coverage, eligibility, financial features, and consumer satisfaction ratings.
1. MSH International (Now AXA – Global Healthcare)(Official website: https://www.msh-intl.com/)
Cost
- Premium Range: $1,500 – $6,000 annually, depending on age and coverage level.
- Deductibles: $250 – $1,000 per year.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Inpatient & outpatient care (including specialist consultations).
- Emergency medical evacuation (global coverage).
- Maternity, dental, and vision care (optional add-ons).
- Chronic disease management.
Eligibility
- Expats, locals, and travelers (no residency restrictions).
Core Financial Features
- Global network of hospitals and clinics.
- Direct billing available for hassle-free claims.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 8.5/10 – Highly rated for international coverage and quick claims processing.
2. Sagicor Life Inc.(Official website: https://www.sagicor.com/en-ag/)
Cost
- Premium Range: $800 – $4,000 annually.
- Co-payments: 10-20% for certain services.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Hospitalization & surgery coverage.
- Preventive care (check-ups, vaccinations).
- Prescription drug benefits.
- Optional critical illness coverage.
Eligibility
- Individuals, families, and corporate groups.
Core Financial Features
- Caribbean-wide network of healthcare providers.
- Flexible payment plans (monthly/quarterly/annual).
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 7.8/10 – Praised for regional reliability but some delays in reimbursements.
3. Nagico Insurances(Official website: https://www.nagico.com/)
Cost
- Premium Range: $1,000 – $5,000 per year.
- Deductibles: $200 – $800.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Emergency medical treatment.
- Specialist referrals & diagnostic tests.
- Maternity & newborn care.
- Wellness programs (discounted gym memberships).
Eligibility
- Open to residents and businesses.
Core Financial Features
- Fast claim settlements (within 7-14 days).
- 24/7 customer support.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 7.5/10 – Good for local coverage, but limited international benefits.
4. Allianz Care(Official website: https://www.allianzcare.com/)
Cost
- Premium Range: $2,000 – $8,000 annually.
- High-end plans include luxury medical evacuation.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Comprehensive inpatient/outpatient care.
- Mental health support.
- Alternative therapies (acupuncture, chiropractic).
- Global coverage (including USA & Europe).
Eligibility
- Expats, digital nomads, and high-net-worth individuals.
Core Financial Features
- Multi-currency billing (USD, EUR, etc.).
- Pre-authorization for major treatments.
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 9/10 – Top-rated for premium global healthcare access.
5. CG Insurance (Coralisle Group)(Official website: https://www.cgcoralisle.com/)
Cost
- Premium Range: $900 – $3,500 per year.
- Low-cost basic plans available.
Available Services & Coverage Features
- Basic to comprehensive hospitalization.
- Telemedicine services.
- Chronic illness management.
- Travel health coverage (short-term plans).
Eligibility
- Individuals, families, and corporate clients.
Core Financial Features
- Digital policy management (easy online claims).
- Strong financial stability (A-rated).
Consumer Satisfaction Score
- 8/10 – Well-regarded for affordability and tech-friendly services.
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